Practicing Preventative Maintenance Around Your Home

One of the biggest investments of your lifetime is your home. It makes sense to want to take care of your home and its contents. This is one reason why so many homeowners practice preventative maintenance plans for their large appliances. Today we’re looking at best ways to care for and extend the life of the appliances around your home. These key pieces will keep your home heated and cooled as the seasons change plus ensure everything is running smoothly to minimalize repairs.

Quite a few of a home’s larger appliances are found in the kitchen. Let’s hone in on which essential appliances to keep an eye on.

Refrigerator:  Your refrigerator is a standout workhorse and should be inspected frequently. Monthly clean the interior with soapy water to remove grime and reduce mold growth. During this monthly clean, don’t overlook cleaning the compressor and coils to allow for smooth air flow. Having good airflow allows this appliance to perform at peak efficiency. As you’re cleaning the various parts be alert for any leaks. And lastly, sweep away any dirt or debris away from the wall.

Dishwasher: Regularly cleaning your dishwasher will keep it at high efficiency. Remove any collected pieces of food from the dishwasher trap. Add a cup of white vinegar to an empty dishwasher and run a normal cycle. Vinegar is an effective disinfectant and helps to prevent buildup.   

Stove and Oven: Getting in the habit of wiping clean the surfaces after each use will go a longways in caring for your stove and oven. Should something bubble over in the oven, once the cooking is completed and oven cool, don’t delay in removing the cooking debris. This is a step towards preventing an oven fire. It’s wise to schedule an annual service call with a reputable appliance technician who will ensure your roasts and baked goods are cooking to proper temperatures by calibrating your oven temperature. If you’re using gas, the technician will also check the hook-up, look for any leaks, and confirm the insultation is in good shape.  

Washing Machine: After each load wipe down the inside of your machine to keep it clean and remove any leftover debris. Scheduling an annual service check-up will allow the technician to run through their maintenance checklist and spot any issues. The technician will also check the machine’s timing and electrical connections.

Dryer:  While the service technician is going through the washer checklist, they will also perform a similar checklist for your dryer. Plus, the tech will inspect the drum, belts, pulleys, and rollers to ensure the machine is working at its peak efficiency. In-between service visits, you can help maintain your machine by always removing lint build-up after each dryer load and watching for any leaks, clogs or changes you may notice with your dryer or washer.

More Appliance Maintenance Around the House

Here are a few more large appliances you’ll want to keep well-maintained:

HVAC System: Regularly scheduling preventative maintenance for twice a year for your heating and cooling needs will keep your home comfortable and functioning year-round. This also reduces mold growth, improves air quality, reduces your carbon footprint, and extends the life of your system. The service technicians will change the air filters, clean the air ducts, and follow their checklist looking for any problems. Should you notice any leaks or issues don’t hesitate to schedule a maintenance call.

Hot Water Heater: Every six to twelve months it’s wise to flush your hot water heater. This prevents the buildup of sediment, rust and corrosion. Also check the anode rod and the temperature release valve on gas and electric water heaters for any issues or corrosion.

An ounce of preventative maintenance can be the first step towards preventing emergency repairs which can be costly. Preventative maintenance also addresses any impending issues and allows you time to budget for any upgrades or appliance replacements. And the biggest reason to practice preventative maintenance is the savings. A well-maintained appliance will last longer and perform better which saves you money.

If you’re looking for a great home around the Houston area, I invite you to reach out. It’s my pleasure to serve you and help you find a home with all the features you need in a neighborhood you’ll love. I look forward to talking with you soon.

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers, and citywide was the #2 Top Producing agent in 2020, #3 in 2021, and #2 in 2022. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.